He hasn’t always been bald, Kasey Keller insists in children’s book

Kasey Keller’s unlikely journey from growing up on an egg farm in Lacey to playing soccer in Europe and today in Seattle for the Sounders FC is about overcoming.

And it’s about dedication and hard work.

Now, his inspirational story is in book form. “Mighty Kasey” is a children’s book written in rhyme fashion, telling Keller’s story with a sense of humor.

“It’s fun,” said Keller, arguably the best goalkeeper to come out of the United States. “The underlying story is it doesn’t matter where you start. But if you give it everything you have and you work hard, you’ll be able to achieve your dreams.”

“It goes from the 80s, 90s mullet stuff to where I am today,” said Keller, who is now bald.

“So, there’s a funny progression of hair loss throughout the book, which is pretty amazing.”

One of Keller’s favorite parts is about naming the places in Europe where he played. After starring at North Thurston High School and then at the University of Portland, he played for Rayo Vallecano, Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Monchengladbach, Leicester City and Fulham.

“I think one of the funny parts is when they’re trying to pronounce all the teams I’ve played for,” Keller said. “There’s some very clever prose throughout.”

It’s Mentink’s fourth children’s book on a Seattle sports icon. He’s also written stories on Shaun Alexander, Brett Boone and Ken Griffey Jr.

“It’s nice to be part of that group,” Keller said. “This wasn’t something I had to think about too hard once the project got going. It’s something I’m very happy to be a part of.”

Keller’s portion of profits will go to the King Country Boys and Girls Club.

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